Overview
- Country Thunder said the festival will now take place at Coachman Park, with Clearwater fast-tracking setup to keep the May event on track.
- The original St. Pete Beach plan drew protests from neighbors and Audubon advocates because the dates fall during sea turtle and shorebird nesting season.
- St. Pete Beach officials said ticket sales began without the required special event permit, and organizers acknowledged selling non‑refundable tickets without a backup site.
- Clearwater confirmed it has the event application and said a permit that typically takes about 90 days can be expedited, and a daytime market could conflict with Saturday’s 2 p.m. first act.
- Refunds are available at the original point of purchase, and The Florida Orchestra moved its free Symphony by the Sea to June 6 at The BayCare Sound to open the park for the festival.